Twins Vs. Rangers Preview: Minnesota Looks to Stop Losing Skid in Arlington

The Minnesota Twins will be looking to stop a losing streak that has seen them drop seven of their last eight games when they open a four-game series against the Texas Rangers Thursday evening. Minnesota will line up behind rookie pitcher Scott Diamond, who enters the game 10-5 with a 2.95 ERA in 19 starts. The Rangers will counter with veteran righty Roy Oswalt, who has struggled this season (6.04 ERA, 1.57 WHIP) after joining the Rangers in late June.

While the Twins may have the best of the pitching matchup, pitching has not been the problem during the latest slide. The Twins bats have gone silent: The club has managed more than three runs just once in the last seven games, and has averaged just 2.29 runs per game over that stretch. While Minnesota is hoping that the return of Denard Span will boost their offensive output, the injured outfielder remains unlikely for the series opener in Arlington.

Television coverage is available on Fox Sports North, with radio broadcast available at 1500 ESPN.

Be sure to visit Twinkie Town for more Twins coverage, and Lone Star Ball for more on the Rangers. Also check out Baseball Nation for even more news and analysis from around the league.